Survival rates of children with cancer continue to increase
The survival rate of children with cancer continues to rise, according to figures published by IKNL. Healthcare professionals and scientists at the Princess Máxima Center remain committed to curing even more children with cancer and improving the quality of life of children and survivors.
Compared to the period 1990-1999, the survival rate of children diagnosed with cancer in 2010 through 2018 is markedly higher. For diagnoses during the latter period, the survival rate was 84 percent, up from 74 percent in the 1990s.
‘It is good to see that survival in childhood cancer has continued to increase,’ Prof. Dr. René Medema, Chief Scientific Officer, says of the new IKNL figures. ‘In several forms of leukemia, such as AML and ALL, we see the largest increase thanks to a sum of many different improvements. But across the board, there are still too many children with an extremely poor prognosis: the most difficult-to-treat tumors remain. That is why it is so important to continue to join forces of healthcare professionals and researchers within the Netherlands, within Europe and worldwide. Only together can we achieve the breakthroughs needed to cure all children with cancer, with optimal quality of life.’
Following the new figures, pediatric oncologist dr. Wouter Kollen and pediatric neurosurgeon prof. dr. Eelco Hoving gave an interview to the AD newspaper. Among other things, they talked about the strides being made with immunotherapy for treatment of leukemia, how new technology lets doctors operate better, and approaches to permanently improve the quality of life of children and survivors.
IKNL’s full press release can be found here. The AD interview is here.
ZonMw grants for group leaders Den Hertog, Mattiroli, Bakkers and Van Rooij
Jeroen den Hertog, Francesca Mattiroli, Jeroen Bakkers, and Eva van Rooij, group leaders at the Hubrecht Institute, have received ZonMw Open Competition grants. The grants allow them to delve deeper into their research on RASopathies and heart regeneration. You can learn more about their projects below.
Jeroen Kingma to be the new Director of Campus & Facilities
As of 1 April 2026, Jeroen Kingma will be the new Director of the Campus & Facilities. In this role, he will lead the Campus & Facilities department and will be responsible for policy and implementation in the areas of real estate, accommodation and facility services. Kingma currently serves as Vice Chair of the Supervisory Board at Zorggroep Tangenborgh.
Utrecht Science Park Foundation is looking for a new Director-Executive
The current Director-Executive, Jan Henk van der Velden of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation, has announced that he will step down from his role as of July 1, 2026. In the coming period, a search will be conducted for an enthusiastic successor.
UtrechtInc has been recognized in the Financial Times “Europe’s Leading Startup Hubs 2026” ranking.
While UtrechtInc is proud of this recognition, the real stars of the story are the entrepreneurs, researchers, and students who walk through its doors every day.